Tom Harkin

News about Tom Harkin, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times.

Chronology of Coverage

Sep. 16, 2013

Political Memo; Vice Pres Joseph R Biden, delivering keynote speech at Iowa fundraiser for Sen Tom Harkin, may have unofficially kicked off his third presidential campaign, but Iowans remain reluctant to support his bid; early polling data nationwide suggests that Democrats, who profess fondness for Biden, are not willing to support his presidential hopes. MORE

Aug. 11, 2013

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be the keynote speaker at Senator Tom Harkin’s annual steak fry fund-raiser next month, a signature event that often showcases aspiring presidents. MORE

Jul. 27, 2013

Democratic Sens Tom Harkin and Richard J Durbin say they will hold a forum in Iowa district of Republican Rep Steve King to pressure him after he said that some young illegal immigrants were drug mules. MORE

Jun. 6, 2013

Republican Sen Lamar Alexander is introducing legislation to revise No Child Left Behind education law, signaling preference for much smaller role for federal government in public schooling; bill will compete with measure introduced by Democratic Sen Tom Harkin. MORE

May. 4, 2013

Current and former senators say dearth of candidates for open Senate seat left by retirement of Iowa Democrat Tom Harkin reflects fact that partisanship makes serving in Senate completely unappealing to prospective candidates. MORE

Apr. 14, 2013

Sen Tom Harkin, chairman of Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and who has been in spotlight for investigating for-profit colleges, answers questions about the federal role in higher education. MORE

Jan. 27, 2013

Sen Tom Harkin of Iowa, a Democrat, says he will retire and not seek re-election; announcement sets stage for one of the most competitive Senate races in 2014 midterm elections as Republicans seek to win control from Democrats. MORE

Jul. 31, 2012

Editorial calls attention to a study released by Sen Tom Harkin that suggests a disturbing pattern of misleading tactics in the for-profit college industry; notes that many such schools rake in profits while saddling students with debt and useless credentials; urges Congress to address the issue. MORE

Nov. 5, 2011

Letter from Sen Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa, comments on Oct 27 editorial on bipartisan bill to overhaul the nation's current education law. MORE